On 7 April, 2000 Nelson Mandela came to Bedford to rededicate the bust of his friend and mentor Trevor Huddleston who was born in Bedford in 1913.
The visit lasted less than an hour but made a lasting impression on everyone who was there – many of whom have contributed to a new podcast remembering the occasion.
Jon Bickley and Steve Yarwood of Invisible Folk have collected them together to create a podcast which will be launched on Good Friday – the 23rd anniversary of Mr Mandela’s visit.
You can listen to it for free from your usual podcast provider (including Spotify and Apple Music) by searching for Invisible Folk. While you are there subscribe for many more podcasts.
“Time after time we were stuck by how happy these memories made the people we spoke to,” said Steve.
“Mandela’s smile, his dancing and his nobility seems to have created a mood in the town that is cherished even today.
“People told us that despite addressing hundreds of people each one felt that Nelson spoke to them personally. The sun was shining and everybody was happy. It was a pleasure to have shared in the joy that each person felt in sharing their memories.
“Listening to the podcast is an uplifting experience whether you were there or not.”
Amongst those interviewed is Steve Lowe, former editor of Beds on Sunday, who tells the story of how he met the sculptor of the bust of Trevor Huddleston at South Africa House, raised the funds to create the Huddleston statue on Silver Street and then was instrumental in bringing Nelson Mandela to Bedford for the rededication.
Others like Rosie Newbigging and Pea Stepney remember being there with members of their family and how it became a treasured family memory.
This podcast was created by Invisible Folk as a commission by the High Street Heritage Action Zone supported by Bedford Borough Council and Historic England.
You can hear Invisible Folk’s music show, The Invisible Folk Club on Bedford Radio on Friday at 9pm and after that on our podcast stream.
